Tolls on U.S. 36 between Boulder and Broomfield to begin March 30

A few vehicles can be seen trying out the new express lanes on eastbound U.S. 36 east of Cherryvale Road in Boulder on Wednesday. (David R. Jennings / Staff Photographer)

After a two-month free testing period, drivers will have to pay tolls on the Boulder to Broomfield portion of the U.S. 36 express lanes beginning March 30.

The final phase of the widening project -- from 88th Street in Louisville to Table Mesa Drive in Boulder -- was finished in January, but drivers have not yet had to pay for driving the express lanes.

But the Colorado Department of Transportation announced the upcoming end to the free trial.

Tolls for the first segment of the U.S. 36 express lanes between Interlocken Loop and Federal Boulevard already have been in place since last summer.

Drivers using the toll lanes will pay between $1.75 and $9.35 for the full trip between Table Mesa Drive and Federal Boulevard, depending on the time of day and whether or not they have toll passes.

Drivers can carpool without paying a toll, as long as they purchase the switchable transponder and set up a prepaid account with an initial deposit of $35. Carpooling will be defined as two occupants until 2017, when three occupants will be required.

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